How to Register to Vote in Every State Before the Deadlines

Photo: Elliott Stallion

The 2016 election is one of the most important elections in US history—and you definitely want to make sure your voice is heard. Here’s how to register to vote and check your voter registration status in every state in the US. Some deadlines are coming up this week, so make sure you’re prepared.

Alabama
Voter registration deadline: October 24
How to register to vote: In Alabama, voters can register online, or show up at their local board of registrars or any public assistance office. 
Qualifications: To register, you must be a US citizen who lives in Alabama, and are 18 years old by Election Day. Alabama is a voter ID state, which means voters must have a valid photo ID, use a “provisional ballot,” or have two election officials who can positively identify you. You cannot be declared “mentally incompetent,” or be a felon.
Check to see if you’re registered here.

Alaska
Voter registration deadline: October 9
How to register to vote: Alaska is a “motor vote” state, so you may have been registered when you got your driver’s license. You can also register online, or at regional elections offices and many government buildings. 
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen living in Alaska. You must be 18 years old, or within 90 days of turning 18. In Alaska, people with felonies have their voting rights restored after completion of their sentence. An ID is required unless an election official waives the requirement because they know you.
Check to see if you’re registered in Alaska here.

Arizona
Voter registration deadline:  October 10
How to register to vote: In Arizona, you can register to vote online, in person at a county recorder’s office, or by mail.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen and a resident of Arizona. Voters must also be 18 years old before Election Day. Felons are prohibited from registering to vote. Voters need a form of ID at the polls, but it doesn’t have to be a photo ID. Find out what to bring with you here.
Check to see if you’re registered in Arizona here. 

Arkansas
Voter registration deadline: October 10
How to register to vote: Apply in person at a county clerk’s office, public library, public assistance or disability agency, state revenue office, military recruitment or National Guard office, or driver’s services. Request a voter registration application through mail here.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, Arkansas resident, and 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot vote as a felon until your sentence has been discharged. An ID is requested, but you don’t need a photo ID.
Check to see if you’re registered to vote here.

California
Voter registration deadline: October 24
How to register to vote: Register online, request a form by mail, or pick up a form at your county elections office, any DMV, and many post offices, public libraries, and other government offices.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, California resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be currently imprisoned or paroled for a felony, or found “mentally incompetent.”
Check to see if you’re registered to vote in California here.

Colorado
Voter registration deadline: October 31; same day registration in person
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the voter registration form to your county clerk and recorder, or return the form to your county clerk and recorder, or at a voter service and polling center at any time on or before November 8.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, Colorado resident, and 18 years old by Election day. You cannot be serving time or parole for a felony. An ID is requested, but Colorado holds its elections by mail.
Check to see if you’re registered to vote in Colorado here. 

Connecticut
Voter registration deadline: November 1
How to register to vote: Register online, by mail, or in person with your local registrar’s office.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, a resident of Connecticut, and 18 years old by Election Day. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must have completed your sentence and paid all fines before voting. You must not be ruled “mentally incompetent.” If you do not have an ID, you can sign a statement with your name, date of birth, and address.
Check if you’re registered to vote in Connecticut here.

Delaware
Voter registration deadline: October 15
How to register to vote: You can register online using your Delaware license or state ID number, or your social security number. You can also register by mailing this form to the Delaware Department of Elections, or register in person at certain government offices.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, a resident of Delaware, and 18 years old by election day. Those convicted of a felony can vote after completing their sentence, except those convicted of murder or manslaughter, a sexual offense, or a felony against public administration. You cannot vote if you’re declared “mentally incompetent.” If you don’t have an ID, you can sign an affidavit.
Check if you’re registered to vote here.

District of Columbia
Voter registration deadline: Online or by mail postmarked October 11; in person by October 8
How to register to vote: Register online with a DMV issued ID number or your Social Security number. Send the voter registration form to the District Board of Elections and Ethics by mail, or register in person at many government offices including the DMV. DC has a “motor voter” rule so you may have registered whle getting a license or state ID.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen and resident of DC who is 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be currently in prison for a felony, or judged “mentally incompetent.”
Check if you’re registered to vote in Washington, DC here.

Florida
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Send the voter registration form by mail to the Florida Division of Elections by October 11. Register in person at any County Supervisor of Elections, any DMV or driver’s license office, any voter registration agency, military recruitment offices, public libraries, and any office that primarily serves persons with disabilities.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, resident of Florida, able to provide a Florida ID or last four digits of Social Security number, and not judged “mentally incapacitated.” You can pre-register to vote at age 16, but you cannot vote until age 18. Those convicted of a felony must apply to have their rights restored after a five-to-seven-year waiting period depending on their offense. If you don’t have a valid ID, you must use a provision ballot.
Check your voter registration status in Florida here. 

Georgia
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the form to the Secretary of State’s office, or register in person at your local county board of registrar’s office or any state or government office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, resident of Georgia, and not serving a felony sentence or found “mentally incompetent.” You can register at 17-and-a-half, but can’t vote until you’re 18 years old. Georgia has a strict photo ID law.
Check your voter registration status here.

Hawaii
Voter registration deadline: October 10; October 8 by mail
How to register to vote: Apply online, or send the form by mail to your County Clerk’s office by October 8. You can also pick up the form at the Office of Elections, County Clerk’s Offices, state libraries, US post offices, state agencies, and city halls and return it to your County Clerk’s Office by October 10.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, a resident of Hawaii, and age 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be serving time of a felony. If you don’t have a valid ID, you must recite your address and date of birth for verification.
Call (808) 453-VOTE to check if you’re registered in Hawaii.

Idaho
Voter registration deadline: October 14
How to register to vote: Mail the voter registration form to your county clerk’s office, or submit your form in person to your county clerk’s office. Idaho also has early vote locations where you can register between October 24-November 4, or at your polling place on Election Day with a valid photo ID.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, Idaho resident, and at least 18 years old. Felons cannot vote until they have completed sentencing, including parole or probation. If you do not present a valid ID you must sign an affidavit.
Check if you’re registered in Idaho here.

Illinois
Voter registration deadline: October 11 by mail, October 23 online, “grace period” registration in person through Election Day
How to register to vote: Register online, send the form to the Illinois State Board of Elections by mail, or register in person at your State Board of Elections’ office, County Clerk’s office, or Board of Election Commissioner’s office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, live in your election precinct for 30 days prior to Election Day, be 18 years old by Election Day, and not be currently incarcerated.
Check if you’re registered to vote in Illinois here. 

Indiana
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the voter registration form to the Indian Election Division, or register in person at the Indiana Election Division, your County Voter Registration office, a Bureau of Motor Vehicle license branch, a Public Assistance office, or your local public library.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, an Indiana resident, 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently incarcerated. Indiana has a strict photo ID law.
Check if you’re registered in Indiana here.

Iowa
Voter registration deadline:  Preregistration deadline is October 29; register on Election Day at your polling place with proof of ID and residence
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the voter registration form to your county auditor, or register in person at a county auditor or anywhere that issues driver’s licenses.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen and an Iowa resident of 18 years old, though you can register at 17-and-a-half. Convicted felons cannot register unless their rights have been restored by the governor or the president of the United States.
Check if you’re registered here.

Kansas
Voter registration deadline: October 18
How to register to vote: Register online, or by mail or in person at your county elections office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Kansas resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. Convicted felons may vote after completing their sentences, including probation and parole. Kansas has a strict photo ID law.
Check if you’re registered to vote in Kansas here. 

Kentucky
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Register online, or send the voter registration form to the State Board of Elections or county clerk by mail. Submit your form in person with your local county clerk.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Kentucky resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be judged to be “incompetent.” If you are a convicted felon, you can now vote if you apply with the governor to have your voting rights restored. If you do not have a valid ID, you must sign an oath.
Check if you’re registered to vote in Kentucky here.

Louisiana
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the voter registration form to your parish’s voter registrar, or apply in person at a public assistance agency, DMV, or military recruitment office.
Qualifications: You can register in person at 16, but to vote you must be 18 by Election day. You must be a US citizen, resident of Louisiana, and not judged “mentally incompetent.” Those convicted of a felony can vote after completing their sentences, including probation and parole. If you cannot present a valid ID, you must sign an affidavit.
Check if you’re registered in Louisiana here.

Maine
Voter registration deadline: Mail in by October 18; register in person through Election Day
How to register to vote: Register by mail with the Maine Division of Elections. Register in person at many government buildings including schools and DMVs.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a resident of Maine, and 18 years old by Election Day. Voting rights are unrestricted; those convicted of a felony can vote absentee from prison.
Call (207) 624-7650 to see if you’re registered to vote in Maine.

Maryland
Voter registration deadline: October 18; or between October 27-November 3 at an early voting center in your county.
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the voter registration form to the State Board of Elections, or register in person at most government offices.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, at least 16 years old (18 years old at the time of voting), and a Maryland resident. You cannot be judged “incompetent” or under guardianship for a mental disability. Convicted felons may vote once they have been released from prison, as long as they were not convicted for buying or selling votes.
Check if you’re registered in Maryland here. 

Massachusetts
Voter registration deadline: October 19
How to register to vote: Register online, by mail with an election official, or in person at many government offices.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen living in Massachusetts, and not be barred from voting for electoral corruption. You can pre-register at age 16, but you must be 18 years old by Election Day. Those convicted of felonies have voting rights restored after serving their sentence.
Check your registration here. 

Michigan
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Mail a registration form to your city clerk’s office, or register in person at military recruitment centers and state agencies.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, living in Michigan, and 18 years old by Election Day. Voting rights are restored to convicted felons on completion of their sentence. If you do not have a valid ID you must sign an affidavit.
Check your Michigan voter registration here.

Minnesota
Voter registration deadline: October 18
How to register to vote: Register online, or mail your voter registration form to Minnesota’s secretary of state. Register in person at your county election office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, living in Minnesota, and 18 years old by Election Day. Convicted felons can vote after completing their sentences, including probation and parole. You cannot be judged “incompetent.”
Check if you’re registered here.

Mississippi
Voter registration deadline: October 8
How to register to vote: Register by sending the form by mail to your county election office, or in person by 12 p.m. on October 8 at your county election office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Mississippi resident, and 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot vote if you have been convicted of a crime among a list of larcenous or violent offences, or if you have been judged “incompetent.” The state has a strict photo ID law.
Call your county election office to check you’re registered in Mississippi.

Missouri
Voter registration deadline: October 12
How to register to vote: Register online, or by sending the voter registration form to your county clerk’s office, or in person at your county clerk’s office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Missouri resident, 17-and-a-half to register, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot vote if under parole or probation for a felony, if currently imprisoned, or if convicted of any crime connected with suffrage. An ID is requested unless two election officials say they know you.
Check if you’re registered here.

Montana
Voter registration deadline: October 11, unless you late-register at your county election office or a designated location in person through Election Day.
How to register: Mail the form to your county elections office, or register in person at your county elections office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Montana resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. Voting rights are restored to convicted felons once they are released. You cannot vote if you have been judged to be “of unsound mind.” If you don’t present a valid ID, you must use a provisional ballot.
Check your registration here.

Nebraska
Voter registration deadline: Mail-in forms must be postmarked by October 21; in person applications must be turned in by 6 p.m. on October 28.
How to register to vote: Register online, by mail, or in person with your county’s election office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, living in Nebraska, and you may register at 17 years old if you will be 18 years old by the first Tuesday in November. Convicted felons have voting rights restored two years after completing their sentence. If you have been convicted of treason, you must apply for a restoration of your rights. You cannot vote if a court has found you “mentally incompetent.”
Check your registration here. 

Nevada
Voter registration deadline: October 18
How to register to vote: Register online, mail the form to your county election office, or register in person at your county election office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, live in Nevada, and 18 years old by Election Day. Non-violent felons have their rights restored after completion of their sentences. Violent and repeat felons must go to court where they were convicted to request that their voting rights are restored. You cannot register if you were declared “incompetent” by a court.
Check your registration here.

New Hampshire
Voter registration deadline: With a city clerk by October 29, or on Election Day at your polling place.
How to register to vote: Mail the registration form or apply in person with your city clerk. You can also register in person at your polling place on Election Day.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a New Hampshire resident, and 18 years old on Election Day. Convicted felons have their voting rights restored after serving their sentence, unless they are convicted of treason, bribery, or violating election laws. You must provide an ID, or sign an affidavit that will be followed up by mail.
Check your registration here.

New Jersey
Voter registration deadline: October 18
How to register to vote: Mail in your voter registration form to your county commissioner of registration, or the superintendent of elections, or show up to either office in person.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, living in New Jersey. You can register at age 17, but must be 18 years old by Election Day. Convicted felons can vote after completing their sentences.
Check your registration here.

New Mexico
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Register online, or by mail or in person with your county clerk’s office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, New Mexico resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be declared “mentally incapacitated.” Convicted felons have voting rights restored upon completion of their sentences.
Check your New Mexico registration here.

New York
Voter registration deadline: October 14
How to register to vote: Register online, mail your form to your county’s board of elections, or apply in person at your county’s board of elections.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, New York resident, and 18 years old by election day. You cannot be declared “mentally incompetent.” Convicted felons have voting rights restored if they are not serving time or under parole.
Check your voter registration here.

North Carolina
Voter registration deadline: October 14 by 5 p.m.
How to register to vote: Mail the voter registration form to your county board of elections, or apply in person at many government offices, including the DMV.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a North Carolina resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. Convicted felons have voting rights restored after completing their sentences. You must provide a vialid ID. If you cannot, you must sign a form providing a reason (“reasonable impediment”) for why you don’t have an ID. If you cannot provide that reason, you must use a provisional ballot.
Check your voter registration here.

North Dakota
Voter registration deadline: Live at a North Dakota address by October 9.
How to register to vote: You don’t need to register in North Dakota. Just show up at the polls with an ID that shows your birthdate and residency.
Qualifications: You must be a US citizen, 18 years old, and resident of North Dakota to vote. Convicted felons have voting rights restored after serving their sentences. The state has a strict photo ID law.

Ohio
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Mail your voter registration form to the secretary of state’s office, or to your county board of elections. Register in person at the county board of elections, the BMV, a county treasurer’s office, or a public library.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, an Ohio resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot register if you have been declared “incompetent,” you are currently incarcerated for a felony, or you have been permanently denied voting rights over election law violations. The state has a strict non-photo ID law.
Check your registration here.

Oklahoma
Voter registration deadline: October 14
How to register to vote: Mail your form to the Oklahoma State Election board, or fill it out at a government assistance agency or tag agency.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Oklahoma resident, and 18 years old to register. Convicted felons can register after a period of time equal to their original sentence. You cannot vote if you have been judged “incapacitated.” You must provide an ID or your voter registration card to vote, otherwise you must use a provisional ballot.
Check your registration here.

Oregon
Voter registration deadline: October 18
How to register to vote: Register online, or mail a form into the county election office, or apply in person at with your county elections official.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Oregon resident, and 18 years old on Election Day. Felons have voting rights restored after their sentence is completed. You cannot vote if a judge has ruled you “incapacitated.”
Check your registration here.

Pennsylvania
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Register online, mail a form to your county voter registration office, or drop it off there in person.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen for at last one month before the election, a Pennsylvania resident, and 18 years old by election day. Voting rights are restored to felons upon the completion of their sentence.
Check your voter registration status here. 

Rhode Island
Voter registration deadline: October 9
How to register to vote: Register online, mail a form to your board of canvassers, or drop it off to them in person.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Rhode Island resident, and 18 years old to vote (age 16 to register). You cannot register if a court deems you “non-compos mentis” or if you are serving a felony sentence. You must present a valid ID or use a provisional ballot.
Check your registration here.

South Carolina
Voter registration deadline: October 8
How to register to vote: Register online, mail a form to your county registration office, or drop off the form there in person.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a South Carolina resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot vote if you are judged “incompetent.” Felons are restored voting rights after completing their sentences. You need a photo ID or voter registration card to vote, or you must use a provisional ballot.
Check your registration status here.

South Dakota
Voter registration deadline: October 24
How to register to vote: Register by mail with your county auditor’s office, or register in person at your county auditor’s office, a driver’s license office, a city finance office, or many government agencies.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, living in South Dakota, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot be serving a felony sentence, or be judged “mentally incompetent.” You must present a valid ID to vote, or sign an affidavit.
Check your registration status here.

Tennessee
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register: Mail a form to your county election office or drop it off in person.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Tennessee resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot register if you have been convicted of a felony unless you’ve had your voting rights restored by a probation/parole officer or a criminal court clerk. The state has a strict photo ID law.
Check your registration here.

Texas
Voter registration deadline: October 11
How to register to vote: Mail a form to the county voter registrar’s office, or drop it off in person. 
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen and resident of Texas. You can register at 17 years and 10 months old if you will be 18 years old on Election Day. You cannot be judged “totally or partially mentally incapacitated.” Convicted felons can vote after completing their sentences. This state has a strict photo ID law.
Check your registration here.

Utah
Voter registration deadline: Mail-in by October 9; in person registration or online until November 1
How to register to vote: Register online, or mail in or drop off a form at the county clerk’s office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, resident of Utah, and 18 years old by Election Day. Voting rights are restored to felons upon completion of their sentence. You must present a valid photo ID, or two forms of ID with your name and residence, or a clerk must identify you by some other means.
Check if you’re registered here.

Vermont
Voter registration deadline: November 2
How to register to vote: Register online, or mail a form to your city clerk’s office. Register in person at your city clerk’s office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Vermont resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You must also take the “voter’s oath” the first time you register. Voting rights are unrestricted; felons can vote absentee from prison.
Check if you’re registered to vote here.

Virginia
Voter registration deadline: October 17
How to register to vote: Register online, or mail a form to the Department of Elections or your voter registration office. You can apply in person at the voter registration office. 
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Virginia resident, and 18 by Election Day (though you can register at 17). You cannot vote if you have been declared “mentally incompetent” or have been convicted of a felony, unless you have had your rights restored. The state has a strict photo ID law.
Check your registration status here.

Washington
Voter registration deadline: October 10 for mail and online; October 31 in person at the county elections office.
How to register to vote: Register online, send a form to the State Elections Division or your county elections office, or apply in person at the county elections office.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, Washington resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot vote if you have been ruled “incompetent.” Felons must register again after completing their sentences and make all payments on court fines. An ID is required, but Washington holds all elections by mail.
Check your registration here.

West Virginia
Voter registration deadline: October 18
How to register to vote: Register online, mail a form to your county clerk’s office, or register there in person.
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a West Virginia resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. Convicted felons can vote after completion of sentences. You cannot vote if you have been ruled “incompetent.”
Check your registration here.

Wisconsin
Voter registration deadline: October 19 by mail; November 4 in person; on Election Day at your polling place.
How to register to vote: Mail your form to your municipal clerk’s office, or drop it off in person. Register at your polling place on Election Day. 
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Wisconsin resident, and 18 years old by Election Day. Felons can vote after completing their sentences. You cannot place a bet or wager on the outcome of the election. The state has a strict photo ID law.
Check your registration here.

Wyoming
Voter registration deadline: By mail on October 25; register at your polling place on Election Day.
How to register to vote: Send the form by mail, filled out in front of a notary with copies of ID. Register at your county clerk’s office in person, or at the polls on Election Day. 
Qualifications: Must be a US citizen, a Wyoming resident, and 18 by Election Day. You cannot vote if you have been convicted of a felony or have been declared “mentally incompetent” unless you have had your voting rights restored.
Call your county clerk’s office for your registration status.